EFCC, Immigration Service deport 192 foreigners convicted of cybercrime in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, has completed the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and related financial crimes in Lagos State.

The large-scale deportation, which began on August 15, 2025, concluded on October 16, 2025, with the repatriation of the final batch comprising 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian.

It marked the end of months-long operation described by security officials as one of the country’s most extensive cybercrime crackdowns.

According to EFCC officials, the deportees were part of 759 suspects arrested during a coordinated sting operation on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed the premises of Genting International Co. Limited, a front allegedly used to perpetrate large-scale online fraud and Ponzi investment schemes.

Investigations uncovered that the syndicate ran a sophisticated network engaged in identity theft, cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes, and international financial scams.

Many of the convicts were said to have trained local recruits and managed digital platforms used to defraud unsuspecting investors across multiple countries.

The Federal High Court in Lagos subsequently convicted the foreign nationals on charges of cybercrime, money laundering, and fraudulent investment operations.

Their deportation followed court directives issued in accordance with Nigerian immigration and penal laws.

The first batch of 42 convicts, largely Chinese and Filipino nationals, was deported in mid-August, while other groups were repatriated in phases through September and October.

In total, the EFCC confirmed that the 192 deported individuals were nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste.